God's Glory Church

“I told you this so that you may have peace in Me.” —John 16:33

The Civil War was raging in the USA. On December 30, 1862, Union and Confederate troops camped seven hundred yards apart on opposite banks of the Stone River in Tennessee. While warming themselves by the fires, the Union soldiers took up fiddles and harmonicas and began to play “Yankee Doodle.” In response, the Confederate soldiers played “Dixie”. Notably, the two sides came together for the finale, playing “Home, Sweet Home” in unison. In the dark night, sworn enemies shared music; those were glimpses of unimaginable peace. However, this truce was short-lived. The next morning they laid down their fiddles and took up their rifles, and 24,645 soldiers died.

Our human efforts to establish peace are inevitably exhausted. Fighting stops in one place, only to flare up in another. One conflict in the family subsides, and a few months later a new misunderstanding arises. The Holy Scriptures say that God is our only reliable peacemaker. Jesus said: “Peace is in Me” (John 16:33). Although we participate in His peacemaking mission, it is God’s reconciliation and renewal that makes true peace possible.

Christ says that it is impossible to avoid conflicts. “You will suffer in the world, but be of good courage: I have overcome the world” (v. 33). Although our efforts often prove futile, a loving God (v. 27) makes peace in this divided world.

Where do you see people working for peace? How is God’s peacemaking different?

Dear God, please show me the way of peace.

Author: Wynn Collier